MAKING YOUR OWN VIDEOS: Pinnacle Studio Ultimate

For songwriters looking to take their video to the next level without putting too much of a dent in their bank accounts, Pinnacle Studio provides a quality, affordable option.pinnacle web

Videos by American Songwriter

Kevin Fulda and Jake Jorgovan of Rabbit Hole Recording break down video gear.

PINNACLE STUDIO ULTIMATE
LIST PRICE: $114.99

For songwriters looking to take their video to the next level without putting too much of a dent in their bank accounts, Pinnacle Studio provides a quality, affordable option.

From the outset, Pinnacle starts you out with a basic ten-minute tutorial that could get even your Grandma editing videos. In the tutorial, the software outlines a three-step process for creating video: Capture, Edit and Make Movie—a simple work model that makes the entire creation process a piece of cake.

Pinnacle shines in its ability to put together a quality video product while maintaining a user-friendly interface. One of its big advantages over iMovie is that it allows for two video tracks to run at the same time, which makes cutting and editing video a simple and painless process. Pinnacle also allows for up to four tracks of audio and some basic audio-editing filters and effects that are included in the package. But while the audio options and plug-in expansions in Pinnacle are much more advanced than iMovie, it would still be a better call to track audio in dedicated audio software if possible.

While Pinnacle may not provide the options to put together a professional MTV-style music video, its simplicity and workflow make it a great choice for amateur videographers or artists looking to put together some quick promotional material.